“Ozwords” refers to Australian English words or phrases that are unique to or commonly used in Australia. Australian English has developed its own distinct vocabulary and idiomatic expressions over time, influenced by Indigenous languages, British English, regional dialects, and cultural factors.
Ozwords can encompass various categories, including slang, colloquialisms, Indigenous terms, and cultural references. They often reflect the Australian way of life, the country’s natural environment, and its diverse cultural heritage.
Here are some examples of Ozwords:
- Mate: This is perhaps one of the most well-known and widely used Australian words. It is used to refer to a friend or companion and is often used to create a sense of camaraderie and familiarity.
- Barbie: Short for “barbecue,” this term refers to a popular outdoor cooking method and social gathering in Australia. Australians are known for their love of barbecues, particularly during the summer months.
- Arvo: An abbreviation for “afternoon.” Australians commonly use this term to refer to the later part of the day, as in “See you this arvo!”
- G’day: An abbreviation of “good day.” This is a typical Australian greeting, equivalent to “hello” or “hi.”
- Bogan: This term is used to describe a person who is considered uncultured, unsophisticated, or having a lack of style. It is similar to the concept of a “redneck” or “chav” in other English-speaking countries.
- Yarn: In Australian English, “yarn” can mean a story, conversation, or chat. It is often used to describe a casual and informal discussion.
- Thongs: In Australia, “thongs” refer to footwear that is commonly known as flip-flops or sandals in other parts of the world.
- She’ll be right: This phrase reflects the Australian attitude of laid-back optimism and means that everything will be fine or work out in the end, even in challenging situations.
Too true, blue …
The phrase “true blue Aussie” is an idiomatic expression that is used to describe someone who is considered a genuinely Australian, embodying the qualities and characteristics that are associated with the Australian national identity. The term “true blue” itself has its origins in British English and was used to describe someone who was loyal, genuine, and trustworthy. Over time, it has become closely associated with Australian culture and identity.
The term “true blue” has a long history and was initially used in 19th-century England to refer to someone who was staunchly loyal and unwavering in their commitment. It was often associated with the working class and was used to highlight their authenticity and integrity. When the phrase was brought to Australia by British settlers, it underwent a process of adaptation and acquired new connotations specific to the Australian context.
In Australia, the term “true blue Aussie” gained popularity in the early 20th century and became widely used to describe someone who embodied the national values and characteristics that were deemed quintessentially Australian. These qualities often include traits such as resilience, mateship, a love for the outdoors, a sense of humor, and a down-to-earth attitude. The phrase is often used in a positive and celebratory manner to express admiration for those who embody these characteristics.
The connotations of being a “true blue Aussie” are largely positive, representing an idealized version of the Australian identity. It is associated with a sense of national pride and belonging. However, it is worth noting that the term can be subjective and open to interpretation. Different individuals may have varying ideas about what constitutes a “true blue Aussie” based on their own perspectives and experiences.
Yarning
If people in Australia are “yarning” a lot, it means they are engaging in extensive and animated conversations. The term “yarn” is commonly used in Australian slang to refer to a casual conversation or a chat, often involving storytelling, sharing anecdotes, and exchanging information.
Yarning plays a significant role in Australian culture as a means of communication, community-building, and sharing experiences. It can occur in various settings, such as informal gatherings, social events, workplaces, and even online platforms. Yarning sessions are characterized by a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, where people engage in lively discussions, often accompanied by humor, wit, and a sense of camaraderie.
Yarning is deeply connected to the concept of mateship, as it provides an opportunity for individuals to connect, bond, and develop relationships. It allows people to share their thoughts, experiences, and opinions, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding within the community. Yarning can involve a wide range of topics, including personal stories, local events, cultural traditions, current affairs, and even philosophical discussions.
In Indigenous Australian cultures, yarning holds particular significance. It is a traditional way of passing down knowledge, preserving cultural heritage, and strengthening intergenerational connections. Indigenous yarning circles provide a space for storytelling, deep listening, and collective learning, enabling the transmission of cultural wisdom and fostering a sense of unity within the community.
Yarning is also prevalent in rural and regional communities in Australia, where it serves as a means of maintaining social connections, combating isolation, and supporting mental well-being. In these settings, yarning often takes place in local pubs, community centers, or around a campfire, allowing individuals to share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs with one another.
With the advent of technology and social media, yarning has expanded into the digital realm. Online platforms provide spaces for virtual conversations, allowing Australians to connect, discuss, and engage with a broader audience. Digital yarning has become a way to bridge geographical distances, connect with like-minded individuals, and maintain social connections in an increasingly interconnected world.
Mateship
This term is not limited to the army or military or male friendship in general, but rather a friendly reply in Australia to start a genuine conversation, even if you do not know the person or have never met before, like in a pub or walking along the beach. In a remote National Park when hiking people might meet and greet each other with G‘day Mate, not even knowing each other. This helps to start a friendly conversation in the sense of: In case you need my help you can rely on me!
We all need someone, we can lean on … The Rolling Stones.
Music Is The Language.
#phb
Read about The Voice in Australia and the upcoming referendum!
Read my site Aboriginal
Ozwords are not Buzzwords
A buzzword is a term or phrase that becomes popular and widely used, often within a specific industry, field, or cultural context. Buzzwords are typically used to convey a sense of novelty, trendiness, or significance. They often emerge in response to current events, technological advancements, or shifting cultural attitudes.
A typical buzzword is SNOWFLAKE
Nota Bene: Many buzzwords might have negative connotations, so be aware of this and google a word before making use of it in public and Social Media context!
Hate Speech
Buzzwords can be found in various domains, including business, technology, politics, and popular culture. They are often used to describe new concepts, trends, or ideas and can serve as a shorthand way of communicating complex or abstract concepts. However, buzzwords can also be criticized for being overused, vague, or lacking substance.
For example, in the business world, terms like “synergy,” “disruptive innovation,” or “growth hacking” have been popular buzzwords at different times, reflecting ideas or strategies that were considered important in their respective eras. In the realm of technology, buzzwords like “artificial intelligence,” “blockchain,” or “Internet of Things” have gained prominence as technological advancements have captured public attention.
Buzzwords can also be found in social and cultural contexts, reflecting shifts in societal attitudes or emerging trends. For instance, terms like “woke,” “cancel culture,” or “influencer” have become buzzwords in discussions surrounding social justice, online discourse, and popular culture.
It’s important to note that the popularity of buzzwords can be fleeting, and their usage often evolves over time. As new trends and ideas emerge, new buzzwords are coined while others fade away. While buzzwords can serve as a way to capture attention and convey a sense of relevance, it is also essential to critically examine and evaluate the substance behind the buzzword to fully understand the concepts or ideas they represent.
Interested? More about BANTER?
British culture is often associated with a strong tradition of banter, which can be seen as a distinct form of humor, teasing, and playful exchange in social interactions. Banter typically involves lighthearted teasing, witty remarks, and humorous exchanges among friends, colleagues, or even strangers. It is characterized by quick wit, sarcasm, and clever wordplay.
Banter is deeply ingrained in British culture and is considered a way to establish rapport, build social connections, and display camaraderie. It is often seen as a form of bonding and can be used to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere in various settings, such as pubs, workplaces, or social gatherings.
Banter in British culture is often characterized by a balance between teasing and showing affection. It relies on a shared understanding and mutual consent among participants, ensuring that it remains light-hearted and enjoyable for everyone involved. It is important to note that banter should always be approached with sensitivity, as individual boundaries and cultural norms can vary.
In contrast, the term “yarning” is more commonly associated with Australian culture, as discussed earlier. Yarning in Australia involves engaging in extensive conversations, storytelling, and sharing experiences. While banter and yarning may both involve conversations and social interactions, they have distinct characteristics and cultural contexts.
Banter in British culture often focuses on humor, wit, and playful teasing, while yarning in Australian culture emphasizes storytelling, community bonding, and sharing personal experiences. Both forms of communication contribute to the social fabric of their respective cultures and play a role in establishing connections and fostering a sense of community.
More here soon by P H Bloecker
Author and Active Blogger living at Gold Coast in QLD Australia.
New words in context:
Respite Care (very hard to find in OZ)
Respite, in general terms, refers to a temporary period of rest or relief from something challenging or demanding. It could apply to various situations, such as taking a break from work or caregiving responsibilities to recharge and rejuvenate. In specific contexts, respite care is a service that provides temporary relief to caregivers who are taking care of individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or special needs. During respite care, trained professionals or volunteers step in to care for the individual, allowing the primary caregiver some time off.
More here soon about Idioms and local language in QLD Australia.
Author Peter H Bloecker
A US Visitor writes on his Blog …about Aussie Slang:
I’ve found English fluency will not help you much in Australia, because there’s Aussie slang or abbreviation for just about every word in the English dictionary.
The slang often follows two principles: Shorten the word and make it much more fun to say.
Tons of Australian slang involve shortening a word to its root and ending an -o suffix, like servo, arvo, avo, smoko, and bottle-o. Those were: service station, afternoon, avocado, smoke session, and bottle shop (liquor store).
However, memorizing those principles alone won’t be enough to get by. Aussies change McDonald’s to Macca’s, mosquito to mozzie, breakfast to brekky, cooler to esky, and so on.
And do not believe, your School English will help to understand the locals:
Idioms and more plus pronunciation – a lot to learn, and you will love the continent and its people.
Author: #phb
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Copied from Mail: Ozwords
Kel Richards’ Ozword of the Day: “Ain’t”
As a schoolboy I remember having it drummed into me that I should never use the word ‘aint’— ‘A dreadful slang term boy! Not a real word! Only the uneducated would ever use ‘ain’t’—so don’t do it!’
The teachers were strict back in those days.
And the view they expressed were widely held. In 1955 Fats Domino wrote and recorded a great song called ‘Ain’t That a Shame.’ In the same year white singer Pat Boone went into the studio to record a cover version of the song. His producer insisted he correct the awful English—and sing it as “Isn’t that a Shame.” But that replaced one syllable with two, and it didn’t fit the music! So, Pat had to record it as ‘Ain’t That a Shame’ (which he did).
But that’s an indication of how badly the word was regarded.
The spell checker on my computer insists to this day that there is no such word as ‘ain’t.’
But is that correct? Or has time worked its magic and brought this outsider into the English language?
The Oxford English Dictionary says that ‘ain’t’ is a variant on the verb ‘to be.’ The Macquarie says it is ‘a non-standard contraction forming the negative of ‘to be’ in the present tense.’ The Merriam-Webster adds an explanatory note: ‘Although widely disapproved as nonstandard, and more common in the habitual speech of less educated people, ain’t is flourishing in American English. It is used in both speech and writing to catch attention and to gain emphasis.’
One of the reasons it is flourish might be its flexibility.
According to Thesuarus.com ‘ain’t’ can mean: ‘am not, are not, and is not. It can also mean have not, has not, do not, does not, or did not. We ain’t joking: ain’t is incredibly versatile, a kind of one-stop-shop for saying something isn’t, didn’t, or wasn’t.’ Which makes it a very versatile little sound.
So, where does it come from? Here’s how Thesaurus.com explains its origins: ‘Ain’t apparently begins as amn’t, a contraction for am not, which you can still hear in Ireland and Scotland today. Ain’t is recorded in the early 1700s, with amn’t found a century before. Ain’t is also influenced by aren’t, the contraction for are not recorded in the late 1600s.’
And it works in certain, specific, English idioms such as ‘It ain’t over until the fat lady sings,’ ‘If it ain’t broke don’t fix it,’ and ‘Say it ain’t so.’ These are used as idiomatic collections of words that just scoop up ‘ain’t’ into a larger whole.
But the little schoolboy Kel is still there somewhere inside me, and I still don’t feel comfortable saying (or writing) ‘ain’t’.
How about you? Would you use it?
There is a new edition of the podcast ‘Words with Kel Richards’ now available — you can find it by scrolling down the home page at ozwords.com.au, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Thank you Kel!
Author | Blogger
P H Blöcker
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Copy from Kel about Ozwords on Mon 15 Jul 2024
Thank you, Kel …
Pls check this out yourself to verify:
Copilot key in Assassination …
** #phb **
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Kel Richards’ Ozword of the Day: “Assassination”
In the light of the attempted assassination of Donald Trump we need to look at this term ‘assassination.’
The core word ‘assassin’ (in the sense that we use the word) is recorded in English from the 1500s—so this is nothing new. What is intriguing is the way that ‘assassin’ has been derived from ‘hashish’ (the mind-altering drug of cannabis resin).
The story (that is circulated widely) is that back in medieval times there was band of fanatical Islamic killers who got themselves high on hashish before murdering their political enemies. Hence the shift from ‘hashish’ to ‘assassin’ (the killer of a prominent figure in a planned attack).
And there seems to be some truth in the story. It’s all just a bit more complicated than that.
The Arabic name ‘assassin’ was probably originally given as a nickname to the members of the Nizari sect of the Ismaili branch of Islam.
It’s suggested that the members of the sect were so called either because they were actually addicted to hashish, or because they were encouraged by their supposed leader, the ‘Old Man of the Mountain’, to consume hashish before being sent on a mission to assassinate Christian or Muslim adversaries, so that, from the resulting hallucinatory visions, the members might gain a foretaste of the joys of paradise which, they believed, awaited them on completion of their mission.
That story seems to go back to the 12th century. However, the Oxford says it is almost certainly a folk tale. Well, whether true of not, it gives us the word ‘assassination’ and connects its derivation to ‘hashish.’
The attempt to assassinate Trump is the second time such an attempt has been made on a presidential candidate during an election campaign.
On October 14, 1912, Teddy Roosevelt was shot in the chest at a campaign rally. The bullet passed through his steel glasses case, and a 50-page document, both of which were in his top pocket, before lodging in a shallow wound in his chest.
The bullet had lost its force passing through the steel of the glasses case and the thick wad of pages (of the speech he was about to deliver). Roosevelt’s comment was: ‘it takes more than that to kill a Bull Moose.’
Now, it has happened again on the campaign trail—and what impact this attempted assassination of Donald Trump will have on the 2024 American Presidential election remains to be seen.
Lots of great conversations on the ‘Q and A’ page at ozwords.com.au at the moment — be sure to check it out.
contact Kel at ozwords.com.au unsubscribe
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End of Quote!
#phb
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